Team India Has No Direction: Azharuddin

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has come out in scathing criticism of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy, calling team India directionless.

JAIPUR: Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has come out in scathing criticism of Mahendra Singh Dhoni's captaincy, calling the Indian cricket team directionless.

"The team has no direction. Nobody knows what is happening. Something needs to be done," Azhar told TOI during a chat on Sunday. He was in the city as the chief guest for a golf tournament.

Azhar also expressed disappointment at the performances of the Indian bowlers. "Bowling has really been an area of concern. The wickets at home are not helping them much, so it's crucial for them to really work hard. The strike bowlers have made the matters worse by picking up regular injuries."

The former skipper did not agree that rank turners would help India's cause. "Asking for turners won't solve the purpose. Despite having turning tracks against England, we went on to lose the Test series.

Before opting for a particular wicket, the captain and coach must know whether they have suitable players," Azhar pointed out.

"Dhoni should pick the right team. He should not go by the players' reputations. To win a match, it's crucial to back the best eleven. With Virat Kohli too struggling at the top, he must think of an alternative," he added.

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Azhar batted for bowler-friendly wickets at domestic levels. "Though the BCCI has come out with some unique ideas, things haven't really changed much. The wickets still heavily favour the batsmen.

It's time we give bowlers some options," he said. "If we can't provide a sporting wicket at the domestic level, how can we even judge our bowlers? This first-innings lead system in Ranji Trophy is spoiling the whole challenge since everyone is playing safe these days."

Lauding the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami, Azhar said the rise of such youngsters is a boon for the game. Azharuddin has moved beyond the BCCI-imposed ban and doesn't want to talk about it. "I'm happy to have come clean. Now I will be happy to do something for Indian cricket," the Moradabad MP said.

On January 3, when former captains of India and Pakistan were felicitated at the Eden Gardens, Azhar's name was missing from the list. Did that hurt?

"Well, it's the organizers' prerogative. Had they invited me, I would have surely gone to my favourite ground. But then I'm okay with it," Azhar said.